"E-FACTS" REPORT FROM THE ICA PRESIDENT D.D. Humber, DC, FICA

THE CHIROPRACTIC VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS ORGANIZING:  The chiropractic members of the recently appointed Chiropractic Advisory Committee, mandated by Congress to assist in the development of a meaningful chiropractic program for U.S. military veterans, are comparing notes and beginning to mobilize on behalf of the profession.  An all but universal negative consensus is emerging within chiropractic regarding the appointment by Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Secretary Anthony J. Principi of a representative of the virtually non-existent "chiropractic medicine" organization.  This move signals a very troubling but inescapable message regarding the intentions of DVA policy makers.  The appointment of a "chiropractic medicine" representative, along with so many representatives from medical interests have raised fears that the DVA is seeking to warp the process in such a way as to dodge the intent of Congress in favor of as limited and medically-centered chiropractic program as possible.   Congress specifically included "subluxation care" in the mission of the chiropractic provider in the law passed last year.

Committee member Dr. Michael S. McLean of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who is also a member of ICA's Board of Directors, is studying all of the relevant documents and is in contact with like-minded individuals on the new committee seeking to build the strongest possible coalition on chiropractic's behalf.  ICA has learned that one of the initial appointees to the Advisory Committee has declined the appointment and that a new member is being sought by the Secretary.  ICA has asked friends in Congress to make certain the Secretary knows how important it is that this new selection represent the main stream of chiropractic, as was intended by Congress.  ICA IS SEEKING THE CLOSEST POSSIBLE COOPERATION WITH THE LEGITIMATE CHIROPRACTIC ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED ON THIS BODY TO INSURE THAT THE STRONGEST CHIROPRACTIC PROGRAM FOR VETERANS IS DEVELOPED THROUGH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Many ICA members have inquired about the procedures for veterans to obtain chiropractic services.  Protocols and procedures for accessing chiropractic care through the new program are likely to be several months in the making.  ICA will keep the profession informed of developments and will circulate any and all finalized procedures once they have been established.

ICA AND LIFE CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE WEST TO AGAIN SPONSOR CHIROPRACTIC PROGRAM AT INTERNATIONAL ANTI-AGING CONFERENCE:  ICA and Life West will once again represent the chiropractic profession at the world's largest and most influential conference on the aging process and human health.  Scheduled for December 6-8, 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the world famous Venetian Hotel & Resort, this important conference brings together professionals from all health disciplines to examine and explore all aspects of caring for the elderly.  This year's program includes a special added emphasis on natural, drug-free approaches to healing with chiropractic as the centerpiece of this "track".  Dr. Charles Masarsky, Dr. Malik Schlossberg and Dr. Coralee Van Egmond will make presentations on behalf of chiropractic at the December conference, educating consumers and other professionals alike about the cost-effective, clinically appropriate and natural pathway chiropractic has to offer the aging patient. 

As has often been said by ICA spokespeople, chiropractic offers the two main elements senior citizens are looking for; maintenance of mobility and clarity of mind because chiropractic provides drugless means to address such a wide range of health needs in seniors.  For more information or to register, see the conference website at www.antiagingconference.com or call 1-800-927-5007.  Chiropractic continuing education credit is being applied for by Life West, and registration to the December 5^th (Thursday) pre-conference program also includes 7 hours of chiropractic re-licensure credit.  

SWITZERLAND:  The Association of Swiss Chiropractors (ASC) will be holding their 2002 Annual Congress and Continuing Education Course September 19-22^nd, in Burgenstock, Lucerne, Switzerland, welcoming DCs from that nation, Europe and the world another outstanding program of professional education.  This year's program includes presentations on pregnancy and the special needs of women patients, pediatric care, and whiplash and associated disorders.  This year's event offers DCs from around the world to learn from excellent presenters in a beautiful setting, hosted by one of the most respected chiropractic national organizations in the world.  Advanced registration is preferable and will avoid an added on-site registration fee.  For more information, contact the ASC by e-mail at scgasc@swissonline.co, see the ASC's website at www.chiropraktik-info.ch or call the ASC Secretariat Martha Mattmann at 031-372-031 (FAX) 031-372-2654.  ICA wishes the ASC the very best for this excellent upcoming program.

ICA'S PRACTICE MASTERY PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW WITH NEW DOCTORS SIGNING ON EACH WEEK:  This unique program offers DCs and students alike a free weekly e-mail practice assistance service, answering some of the key questions that all practitioners need to know.  This week's Practice Mastery release will feature the first of a five part series on "Communicating With New Patients", prepared by Dr. Don Parkerson, former ICA Board Member and well-respected practitioner and author of several powerful practice management textbooks.  Students and doctors can sign up now to receive their weekly Practice Success Resources by providing your name, mailing address, and e-mail address to mailings@chiropractic.org.
Click for sample edition of the Practice Mastery e-mail broadcast.  Thanks go out to Dr. Patricia Gayman and the entire ICA Committee on Practice Mastery for their efforts to collect and share such vital information with ICA's members and the chiropractic community worldwide.  WATCH FOR THIS WEEK'S E-BROADCAST ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28^th. 

NATIONAL CONCERN CONTINUES TO GROW OVER HARMFUL AND UNINTENDED SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS:  Major news services reported on August 23^rd that the U.S. Army is investigating what officials fear is a link between a malaria drug given to U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and four murders that have occurred at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  The widely used drug "Lariam" apparently had been administered to these individuals, two of which killed themselves after they killed their wives.  According to The New York Times, "Lariam has rare reported side effects, including agitation, depression and aggression." 

THE NEW YORK CHIROPRACTIC COUNCIL, ICA'S AFFILIATE ASSOCIATION IN THE EMPIRE STATE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL CONVENTION AT GROUND ZERO IN NEW YORK CITY NOVEMBER 15-17^th, 2002:  This great event will include a tribute to the chiropractors from around the nation that volunteered at Ground Zero and a reunion that will include recognition from local dignitaries, the American Red Cross and St. Paul's Chapel.   Speakers will include Dr. C.J. Mertz, Dr. Bob Braile, Dr. Pat Gentempo, ICA President Dr. D.D. Humber, Dr. David Jackson, Dr. Jim Sigafoose and Dr. Tedd Koren.  Programs will be available for continuing education credits. 

The Council will also be offering a dinner cruise around Manhattan with music and dancing on Friday evening at no additional cost to the first 100 doctors registered for the convention.  ICA encourages doctors from all parts of the nation to support the New York Chiropractic Council in this historic gathering, and, at the same time support the city that suffered the greatest and gave the most in the wake of the September 11^th tragedies.  ICA and chiropractic will be forever grateful to the New York Chiropractic Council, its President Dr. Ellen Coyne and the hundreds of chiropractic volunteers they so expertly and professionally coordinated   in service to the rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero.  FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CALL THE NYCC AT 718-386-3988 TODAY!